Flame retardant reflective tape is a special material that not only has reflective function but also has flame retardant properties, making it widely used in industry, construction and security fields.

High-performance substrate

Flame retardant reflective tape usually uses ultra-durable aramid fabric as the substrate, which is more durable than ordinary fabrics and has natural flame retardant properties. The flame retardancy of aramid fabric enables it to maintain its performance in industrial washing environments and is suitable for applications that require frequent cleaning.

The flame retardant principle of aramid fabric

The flame retardant principle of aramid fabric is mainly based on its unique chemical structure and physical properties.

• Chemical structure: Aramid fiber, especially meta-aramid (such as polyisophthalamide, PMIA), has a highly stable chemical structure. The amide and benzene ring bonds contained in this structure give it excellent flame retardant properties. The limiting oxygen index (LOI) of aramid fiber is greater than 28, which means that under normal atmospheric conditions, it will not continue to burn and will go out once it leaves the flame.
• Thermal stability: Aramid fiber has extremely high thermal stability and can be used continuously at 205°C and can still maintain high strength at high temperatures greater than 205°C. This stability at high temperatures makes aramid fabrics less likely to melt or shrink when exposed to flames, reducing the risk of flame spread.
• Carbonization behavior: Aramid fiber begins to carbonize when the temperature is greater than 370°C, and during this process, it does not melt or drip, which helps prevent further spread of flames and the occurrence of secondary fires.
• Non-conductivity: Aramid fiber is a non-conductive material, which reduces the risk of fire caused by electric sparks.
• Chemical resistance: Aramid fiber is resistant to most chemicals, including high concentrations of inorganic acids, which allows it to maintain flame retardant properties in chemical environments.
• Physical properties: The physical properties of aramid fiber, such as abrasion resistance and resistance to organic solvents, also help it maintain flame retardant properties in various environments.

Advanced reflective technology

The reflective part of the fighter reflective tape is made of high-refractive glass beads through the principle of retro-reflection. This design enables the tape to maintain good retroreflective optical properties during both day and night, especially providing high visibility at night.

Application of flame retardants

Flame retardants are the key to achieving flame retardant properties of tapes. According to research, the mechanism of action of flame retardants includes both physical and chemical aspects. Physical flame retardancy is mainly achieved by forming a carbon layer to isolate oxygen and heat, while chemical flame retardancy is achieved by releasing gases that inhibit combustion. For example, some phosphorus-based flame retardants release PO free radicals during pyrolysis, which are well known for their flame retardant effects.

Mechanism of intumescent flame retardant

When intumescent flame retardants are heated, the carbonizing agent is dehydrated into carbon under the action of a carbonization catalyst, and the carbide forms a fluffy, porous, closed-structure carbon layer under the action of the gas decomposed by the intumescent agent. This structure is not only non-flammable itself, but also can weaken the heat conduction between the polymer and the heat source and prevent gas diffusion, thereby achieving a flame retardant effect.

Nanocomposite flame retardant materials

Nanocomposite materials can improve the thermal stability and flame retardant properties of materials by dispersing one or more components in the material in a nanometer size in the matrix of another component. During the thermal decomposition and combustion process, a multilayer structure of carbon and inorganic salts may be formed, which plays a role in heat insulation and preventing the escape of combustible gases.

Environmental protection and halogen-free characteristics

Modern flame-retardant tapes also focus on environmental protection and health. Many products use halogen-free formulas to avoid the risk of releasing toxic gases during combustion. This halogen-free flame-retardant tape not only improves safety, but also meets the growing demand for health and environmental protection in the construction industry.

In summary, the flame-retardant characteristics of fire retardant reflective tape are achieved through a variety of mechanisms such as high-performance substrates, advanced reflective technology, effective flame retardants, intumescent flame retardant mechanisms, nanocomposite technology, and environmentally friendly halogen-free formulas, so that it can meet the requirements of environmental protection and health while ensuring safety.